HOLLAND -- Aerial Dance Theater, an affiliate of
the department of dance at Hope College, enters its 16th
year with fall concerts on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 18-19.

The performances will be presented on Friday-
Saturday, Oct. 18-19, at 8 p.m. at the Knickerbocker
Theatre. Aerial will also present a special "Family Affair"
matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m.

The evening of contemporary dance theatre will
include two premieres: "Chandra," by guest choreographer
Ray Tadio, and "Hiccough" by guest Bethany White.
"Chandra," created to the vocals of Sheila Chandra, is
comprised of duets and trios that culminate in a group
section featuring the entire company. According to White,
"Hiccough," a solo performed by Mandy Olson, "humorously
portrays the slightly insane and frantic moment one feels
before a hiccough."

Other works to be performed include Steven
Iannacone's "In the Middle of Nothing Happening" (1994), to
the sounds of Massive Attack, and the award-winning "Mercy
Street" (1988). "Gehenna" (2002), by former Aerial member
Matt Stehle, is set to the music of Limp Bizkit and Danny
Elfman. The re-choreographed solo "Iris Mae Precious"
(2002) incorporates text, Appalachian folk music and props,
and was created in collaboration with Jean Bahle and the
artistry of the late Brad Williams. Lighting design is by
Erik Alberg.

Aerial Dance Theater regularly presents a diverse
repertoire of contemporary, theatrical and multi-media works
to the West Michigan community, the Midwest and beyond
(Belgium, Mexico, Croatia). "Dance Magazine" has called
Aerial "compelling" and "fascinating," and "Het Volk" has
praised the company for presenting "dance spectacle full of
visual effects, humor, and energy."

The special "Family Affair" matinee, intended to
introduce young audiences to the arts of dance, will be
presented on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. During the 50-
minute presentation, Aerial will engage the audience
directly, exploring the art of dance through audience
participation.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. performances are $7 for
regular admission and $5 for senior citizens and students.
Tickets for the 2 p.m. matinee are $4 for all adults. For
all performances, admission for children under 12 is free.
Tickets will be available at the door.

Additional information about the concerts may be
obtained by calling (616) 395-7690.

Aerial is supported by the Michigan Council for
the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Hope College Patrons for the
Arts, and the Aerial Angels.